Bear Injures Four in Japan Steel Works, Remains on Loose Amid Rising Attacks

A bear attacked and injured four people in Fukushima, Japan, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, marking another incident in the country's escalating trend of bear encounters. The attacks reportedly began at the Fukushima Steel Works, where two employees were hurt, before the animal moved into a neighboring residential area and a separate company, injuring two more individuals. One victim sustained moderate injuries, while the others had minor wounds, none of which were life-threatening.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the bear remained at large and was believed to be contained within a second company compound, surrounded by police. Local authorities closed nearby schools and urged residents to avoid non-essential outings.

This incident highlights a growing concern in Japan, which experienced a record 230 bear attacks and 13 fatalities in 2025. Experts attribute the increase to factors such as a growing bear population encroaching on human habitats, a declining human population in rural areas, and fewer people trained for hunting.